The MMA Daily

We have a grappler’s delight in the Middleweight division, as Kyle “The D’Arce Knight” Daukaus takes on Roman “The Caucasian” Dolidze. Going 3-2, with one no contest in the last six fights, Daukaus comes into this bout looking to find consistency. Having most recently defeated Jamie Pickett via submission, Daukaus has an opportunity at his first winning streak since 2019-2020. Meanwhile, Dolidze returns to the octagon for the first time in 2022. Despite dropping his debut at Middleweight back in March of 2021, Dolidze made better on his second attempt in a victory over Laureano Staropoli. With a 3-1 record inside the octagon and this being his third fight at a new weight class, it’s feasible to believe that we see a bigger and badder version of Dolidze this time out.

With both men’s expertise being grappling, there is a chance that we could have an entertaining ground battle. There is also a chance that we may see a lackluster kickboxing match. Let’s hope not for the latter. Regardless, Daukaus is a game fighter. Using constant pressure, wrestling and grappling, Daukaus looks to get the fight to the ground. Not one to lay-and-pray, Daukaus is a submission hunter – as evident by nine of his eleven victories coming via submission. In the other corner, Dolidze is perhaps the more comfortable fighter wherever the fight goes. Although, on the feet, other than maybe some power, he lacks the necessary volume to outpoint an opponent. It’s his wrestling and grappling abilities that more often than not, aide him in securing the victory.

As for a prediction, I have Daukaus winning. While he may not be a striker’s delight, he can pressure and land with some decent volume on the feet. However, on the ground, is where he makes his money. With submission abilities from all over and some pretty underrated ground-and-pound, Daukaus can be overwhelming should the fight enter his world. The reason I believe the American gets the job done over fellow grappler in Dolidze, is that he can keep a hard pace for fifteen minutes. Dolidze coming into the UFC, had only seen a round three once in six fights. Since joining the UFC, he’s seen three in four fights. Seeing him visible slow down in the later rounds, is a problem that will be exploited by Daukaus. So with that said, I predict a late submission victory for Daukaus.